2020 Toyota Yaris

Toyota is offering two trim levels for the Yaris hatchback, LE and XLE. The Yaris hatchback has done away with the value-oriented L trim, leaving it for the sedan only. The LE comes standard with proximity-key entry, forward-collision warning, and, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The XLE adds the upscale feel with equipment such as LED headlights & DRL’s, leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

Either trim level can have in-car navigation with a dealer-accessory SD card. However, missing sunroof in Toyota Yaris can’t be questioned for the price label it is tagged with.

Trims	LE Hatchback	XLE Hatchback
MSRP (1.5L 4 cyl Engine FWD)	$17,750	$18,750
Key Features	Fog Light	Add/Upgrade from previous trim
	Heated power outside mirrors with LED turn indicator	LED auto on/off headlights
	Rear Spoiler	LED Daytime Running lights
	16-inch Alloy wheels	Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers
	Smart Key System with Push Button start	Automatic Climate Control
	Android Auto and Apple Carplay	Leatherette-trimmed sport front bucket seats
		Leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio, cruise and phone controls

Toyota-built Yaris hatchback has been designed and equipped to fulfill the desire of every consumer to own, run and maintain a car as cheaply as possible. The only powertrain carried over from the Yaris sedan pumps 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque mated with 6-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive comes standard.

What do we recommend?

At an extra $1000, the XLE in addition to the standard tech and features flaunts the use of premium interior material and integration of advanced safety technology. The Yaris XLE hatch offers a comprehensive package with a pinch of style, superb drivability and added safety at just $18,750. Thinking of owning your first car, you can trust Toyota Yaris hatchback with a blind eye.

Under the hood, a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque, feels adequate considering the lightweight Yaris having 2396 lbs of the curb weight. The engine showcases ultra-quick responsiveness, thanks to the high-compression (12.0:1) and direct fuel injection.

The 6-speed automatic transmission’s torque converter locks in all gears for quicker, more direct shifts and greater fuel efficiency. Much to the surprise in this class, availability of the Sport Mode altogether changes the car’s personality with increased acceleration response.

Models	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
MSRP	$17,750	$16,190	$17,490	$19,095
Engine	1.5L Inline-4	1.5 L Inline-4	2.0L DOHC Inline 4-cylinder	2.0L Flat-4
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	6-Speed Manual	6-speed manual	5-Speed Manual
Power	106 hp @ 6000 rpm	130 hp @ 6600 rpm	147 hp @ 6,200 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	103 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm	114 ft-lbs. @ 4600 rpm	132 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm	145 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

On paper, Toyota Yaris is behind its rivals in terms of powertrain options and power generated. The likes of Kia Soul and Honda Fit offer much higher power and torque output but are also heavier. The Yaris hatchback is not crafted as a highway cruiser or for a rally thrill. The utility of the Yaris hatchback, offering a comfortable city ride with the right amount of torque to keep up the lane overtaking with an exceptional fuel economy is beyond comparison.

How fast can Toyota Yaris go?

The Toyota Yaris Hatchback is aerodynamically designed adding up to the sporty look. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission is easy-to-go and joy. But the convenience and practicality of the continuously variable transmission may be preferred. Also, for fun-loving folks, the manual transmission has entered oblivion for Toyota Yaris hatch. Let us be very clear, the purpose of Yaris hatchback is to be a daily commuter with some occasional adventure that too within limits. 

Based on the sibling sedan which reaches 0-60 mph in around 9 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph. The performance is not neck-snapping though.s

Models	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
0-60 MPH	8.0	8.4*	6.5	9.2
Quarter mile	14.0	16.3*	15.0	17.1
Engine	1.5L Inline-4	1.5 L Inline-4	2.0L	2.0L Flat-4
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.1*	5.3	5.9	5.9

The optimal acceleration and transmission make Yaris Hatchback a great car for even the beginners as it showcases the ability to manipulate the engine rpm at any speed. Also, the standard front-wheel drive with all the trims is common with the segment except the Subaru.

How do the brakes perform on Toyota Yaris?

The Toyota Yaris is equipped with Power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes and 9-in. rear drum brakes. The brake pedal is firm and responsive. Also,

it enables composure and reacts progressively when cornering. Entering the curve, the brake pedal provides smooth operation, then leads into a more rigid feel as g-force rises.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Brake Front(in)	10.2	10.3	11	11.6
Brake Rear(in)	9	7.9	10.3	10.8
Curb weight(lbs.)	2396	2522	2844	2985
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	126*	114	121

The Toyota Yaris Hatchback has below average curb weight and the brakes are in perfect sync with its construction. In terms of rear brake size, the Yaris hatchback only trails from the Subaru Impreza The Yaris hatchback will not disobey and performs as expected.

How are the Toyota Yaris ride and handling?

The Yaris sedan is known to deliver sporty, predictable handling. Expectedly, the Yaris hatchback’s superior handling is bind into its engineering. The body structure of the Yaris comprises of 65 percent ultra-high tensile steel using straight beams for maximum strength and rigidity. With high structural integrity, the Yris Maza bones allow the MacPherson strut front suspension teamed with a torsion-beam rear axle to be tuned for ride comfort and agile handling. The brakes are perfectly tuned to allow a progressive feel while cornering. The brake pedal provides smooth operation.

The 2020 Yaris hatchback offers class-above driving dynamics. Not just fat tires and stiff suspension help in making it fun to drive but the electric power steering system provides a direct yet light feel aided by a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel. Its ride is firm without being too stiff, and its reflexes are better composed and more predictable than those of other subcompact cars.

With no surprise, the Yaris hatchback proves the automaker’s high appetite for fun and low appetite for fuel. The efficient 1.5L four-cylinder engine mated with 6-speed automatic transmission along with its lightweight and aerodynamic design shall be credited for highly-efficient Yaris.

With the highest mileage and range within the segment, Toyota Yaris proves to be the best choice for this youth-oriented, pocket-friendly hatchback.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
MPG (city)	32	29	25	24
MPG (highway)	40	36	31	31
MPG (combined)	35	31	27	26
Fuel Capacity (gal.)	11.6	10.6	14.3	13.2
Range (Cty/Hwy) (miles)	371.2/464	307/382	386.1/471.9	317/409

The phenomenal fuel economy ratings of Toyota Yaris draws attention as it is easier to own a car than to run it. This myth has been busted by the automaker, making sure Yaris be the first choice of the young automobile owners.

The five-door subcompact Yaris seats five people. The Yaris cabin inherits its thoughtful ergonomics and attractive styling from Mazda. The front seats are comfortable and provide a decent amount of space but the rear feels a bit cramped for taller passengers. There are two LATCH car-seat connectors on the rear seats. The tether anchors are easy to identify and locate but the lower anchors are mounted deep into the seat cushion, making it a bit difficult to access. Also, outward visibility is supplemented by the 

The Yaris hatchback’s interior is a well-constructed layout. The standard interior features a few hard plastics and use of cloth upholstery, but most parts comprise of soft-touch surfaces. For the price tag that the Yaris carries, the interior is much richer than it may seem. Synthetic leather-trimmed front seats and a genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel are available. Stepping up to the XLE brings a taste of luxury with the use of upscale equipment like leatherette seating surfaces, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic LED headlamps, and leather-trimmed steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	87	95.7*	102.2	112.1
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.2/53.2/41.9	39.5/54.8/41.4	39.4/55.5/41.1	39.8/56.7/43.1
Rear (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.2/50.0/34.4	37.5/52.6/39.3	39.5/54.7/38.8	37.2/55.6/36.5

Also, the Yaris hatchback employes extensive sound-absorbing measures, including a noise-insulating windshield along with sound-absorbing material inside the tailgate, parcel shelf, and spare wheel. This helps to reduce high-frequency noise entering the cabin from the rear. The standard instrumentation system is comprehensive with digital and analog display.

How is the Infotainment system in Toyota Yaris hatchback?

The Yaris hatchback is equipped with a standard 7-inch Touchscreen display atop its dashboard. The logically placed and convenient rotary knob in the center console makes it easier to use the infotainment system. The Toyota has maximized the connectivity and control with the integration of Android Auto and Apple Carplay as well as voice recognition and Bluetooth wireless technology.

USB ports and an auxiliary input ensure connectivity for all types of devices, and the sporty steering wheel integrates control switches for the audio and phone.

However, the audio system offers low fidelity opposite to the claim of the automaker for the audio system ready to rock or hip-hop with clear, powerful sound played through six speakers. There is another surprise from the 2020 Yaris Hatchback, the integration of standard navigation hardware.

Key Infotainment Features:

• SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan
• 6 speakers audio system
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Speed sensitive volume
• AM/FM radio
• Bluetooth Connectivity

How big is the cargo of 2020 Yaris Hatchback?

Similar to its sedan sibling, the Toyota Yaris hatchback flaunts a longer wheelbase of about 101 inches. The Yaris hatchback can swallow about 16 cubic feet of cargo, greater than its predecessor as well as three cubes more than the sedan can handle.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	15.9	16.6	24.2	20.8
Cargo Volume with Rear Seat Down (ft³)	N/A	52.7	62.1	N/A

The packaging of the interior is amazing. Granting space for five passengers and a wide, easy to use cargo area. Though the Kia Soul tops the list with maximum cargo offering with Subaru Impreza and Honda FIt trailing.

Key Interior Features:

• Chrome/metal-look interior accents
• Rear 60-40 bench seat
• Leatherette instrument panel insert
• Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter and push-button controls
• Integrated backup camera
• Normal and Sport driving modes
• Smart Key System
• One 12V auxiliary power outlet

Being an urban dweller, driving and parking a car becomes a major concern. But at 161.6 inches long, the Yaris Hatchback can hasten into any parking space where most others pass up. The car’s super-tight 32.2-ft. turning circle is another boon. The Corolla hatchback is the next largest hatchback in Toyota’s line-up and is just 8.3 inches longer.

The long list of standard exterior features which otherwise comes optional or with high upgrade models include Smart Key Entry with Push Button Start, fog lights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, rear backup camera along with the driver and front passenger sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors. The presence of 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, body-color side mirrors and door handles, and a chrome tailpipe tip set the premium tone.

Model	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Honda Fit	Kia Soul	Subaru Impreza
Curb Weight(lbs.)	2396	2522	2844	2985
Length(in)	161.6	161.4	165.2	175.6
Width(in)	66.7	67	70.9	70
Height(in)	58.9	60	63	58.9
Ground clearance(in)	5.5	4.4*	6.7	5.1
Wheelbase(in)	101.2	99.6	102.4	105.1
Track width(in) F/R	58.8/58.4	58.1/57.7*	62.0/62.4	60.6/60.8

Toyota has stepped up its game with the sportier look of its hatchback. The amalgamation of big Toyota grille on to the Mazda skeleton turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Also, the Yaris hatchback design isn’t boxy or sedated but is modern and athletic.

Key Exterior Features:

• Rear Lip Spoiler
• Body-colored door handles
• Turn signal indicator mirrors
• Liftgate rear cargo door
• Heated door mirrors

The structural rigidity and high tensile strength of Toyota Yaris along with standards active safety features make it safer than ever. The Yaris hatchback is equipped with a Low-speed Pre-collision Safety System which scans the road ahead for potential vehicle collisions and should the driver not respond, this system may automatically apply the brakes. However, this system isn’t responsive at higher speeds.

The Toyota Yaris for the 2020 model year manages an impressive five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Though the safety data from IIHS isn’t available yet for the 2020 model of Yaris. Based on last year, Yaris sedan was rated “Good” in terms of crashworthiness but scores a “poor” rating for headlights under crash avoidance and mitigation.

Key Safety Features:

• The array of six airbags
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 
• Traction Control System (TCS), 
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), 
• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), 
• Brake Assist (BA), and Brake Override System (BOS).

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Vs Honda Fit

The Honda Fit offers more passenger and cargo space than the Yaris hatchback, but are equipped with almost similar features. The rear of Honda Pilot is bliss and allows you to move the back row into multiple configurations which enhances the hauling capacity even further. Both vehicles suffer from lackluster acceleration though.

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Vs Kia Soul

With a higher torque of Kia Soul, its engine does an excellent job of transmitting power to the wheels than Yaris. The Kia Soul has a significantly larger turning radius than the Toyota Yaris, making it much more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots. Although the cargo capacity is similar for both, the Toyota Yaris leads in terms of better fuel economy.

Toyota Yaris Hatchback Vs Subaru Impreza

The Toyota Yaris hatchback is more efficient, handle and ride better because it weighs less than the Subaru Impreza. Also, the shorter Yaris beats the Subaru Impreza sedan in easier handling, making it maneuver and park in tight spaces quite easily.

 

The 2020 Yaris embodies the ideal formula for modern hatchback appeal: make it fun, make it efficient and keep it affordable. The 2020 Yaris hatchback is a solid choice among its rivals. It offers plenty of standard features added with good drivability and reliability. On the road, Yaris accomplishes excellent gas mileage with impressive handling agility. That said, the Yaris may not excite you with a thrilling acceleration in front of more powerful rivals which are much more appealing.